Mail-bag catching and delivery apparatus.



E. A. PIETERS. MAIL BAG GATGHING AND DELIVERY APPARATUS.

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E. A. PIETERS. MAIL BAG GATGHING AND DELIVERY APPARATUS.

APPLIUATION FILED NOV. 12, 1912.

Patented July 15, 1913.

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E. A. PIETERS. MAIL BAG GATOHING AND DELIVERY APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED NOV. 12, 1912.

Patented July 15, 1913.

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E. A. PIETERS. MAIL BAG OATCHING AND DELIVERY APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED NOV. 12, 1912.

Patented July 15, 1913.

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COLUMBIA PLANOGRAPH (20., WASHINGTON, D. c.

B. A. PIETERS. MAIL 'BAG GATGHING AND DELIVERY APPARATUS. APPLICATION FILED NOV. 12, 1912.

1,067,675. Patented July 15, 1913.

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ENGELBERT A. PIETERS, OF NAKUSP, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA.

MAIL-BAG CATCI-IING AND DELIVERY APPARATUS.

Application filed November 12, 1912.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented July 15,1913.

Serial No. 731,021.

T 0 all whom it may concern Be it known that I, ENGELBERT A. PmTnRs, a subject of the King of Great Britain, reriding at Nakusp, in the Province of British Columbia and Dominion of Canada, have invented new and useful Improvements in Mail-Bag Catching and Delivery Apparatus, of which the following is a specification.

The invention relates to a mail bag catching and delivery apparatus, and more particularly to the class of station and car automatically operated mail bag catching and delivery devices.

The primary object of the invention is the provision of an apparatus of this character wherein mail bags can be exchanged between a train and station in a safe and convenient manner and without the possibility of the missing of the mail bag either when received from or delivered to the station or train.

Another object of the invention is the provision of an apparatus of this character wherein the station mail bag receiving and delivery device will be automatically set on the approach of a train with respect thereto, so that mail bags can be exchanged between the said station device and the catching and delivery device upon the car without requiring the stopping of the car, or the decreasing of the speed of travel thereof.

A further object of the invention is the provision of an apparatus of this character wherein a mail bag will be received from the station or train within a chute or trap box in a quick and positive manner, and without possibility of the cutting or damaging or otherwise mutilation of the bag and also which will prevent the throwing of the mail ha g in either direction longitudinally of the track, thus avoiding injury to persons when standing near by either at the station device or near the device on the car.

A. still further object of the invention is the provision of apparatus of this character, wherein the delivery and receiving devices upon the train and also at the station may be swung to inoperative position when not in use, so as to avoid the possibility of the striking thereof against obstructions at either side of the track, the device being readily projected either automatically or manually when required for use in receiving and delivering mail bags from and to a train or station irrespective of the speed of travel of the said train.

A still further object of the invention is the provision of a mail bag catching and delivery apparatus in which the devices for catching and delivering the mail bags at the station and on a car may be locked in inoperative position yet when a train approaches the station and it is necessary to exchange mail bags between the same and the car, the device will be automatically actuated so as to set the same whereby the mail bags can be exchanged in a manner that is quick and positive.

A still further object of the invention is the provision of an apparatus of this character in which mail bags can be exchanged either at night or in the day without requiring the attention of operators both in the car and at the station, the devices being automatically controlled and set for permitting the exchange of mail bags between a passing train and a station.

A still further object of the invention is the provision of an apparatus of this character which is extremely simple in construction, strong, durable, thoroughly reliable and eiiicient in its operation and inexpensive in manufacture.

With these and other objects in view the invention consists in the construction, com bination and arrangement of parts as will be hereinafter more fully described, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and pointed out in the claims hereunto appended.

In the drawings: Figure 1 is a fragmentary side view of the track showing a station mail bag receiving and delivery device constructed in accordance with the invention, and also showing a mail car with a co operative mail receiving and delivery device therein, the car being seen in a position for approaching the station device. Fig. 2 is a top plan view thereof. Fig. 3 is a fragmentary vertical longitudinal sectional view through the car, showing the mail bag catching and delivery device thereon. Fig. 4 is a similar view, with the device in position for receiving and delivering mail. Fig. '5 is a sectional view on the line 55 of Fig. 3. Fig. 6 is a sectional view on the line 66 of Fig. 4:. Fig. 7 is a vertical transverse sectional view on the line 7 -7 of Fig. 4:. Fig.

8 is a fragmentary vertical transverse sectional view through one of the trip arms. Fig. 9 is a perspective view of one of the mail bag catching devices. Fig. 10 is a side elevation of the station mail bag receiving and delivery device. Fig. 11 is an end elevation thereof. Fig. 12 is a top plan view thereof, the parts being in normal position. Fig. 13 is a similar view, showing the parts in position after having been automatically actuated for receiving and delivering mail. Fig. let is an end elevation of the trip de vice for operating the station receiving and delivery mechanism. Fig. 15 a side elevation thereof.

Similar reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views in. the drawings.

Referring to the drawings by numerals 10 designates the usual track rails adapted to be superimposed upon and fastened to cross ties, and on these rails is adapted to travel the car 12 which is of the ordinary well-known construction, and is equipped with a mail bag receiving and delivery device presently described.

Located at the desired point at one side of the track is a station mail bag catching and delivery device which comprises a base sill 13, the same being disposed transversely and beneath the track rails 10 between adjacent ties supporting the same. Fixed to and rising from the sill 13 is an upright or post 1 1 to which is connected a vertically swinging platform 15, the same at its inner end being formed with pintle eyes 1.6 and likewise integrally formed with the post 1 1 is a pintle eye 1.7 and through these eyes 16 and 17 is passed a pintle 1.8 for pivotally connecting the said platform 15 to the post, whereby it may be swung from horizontal position to vertical position or vice versa.

The platform 15 is provided with a raised abutment portion 19 having an eye 20 adapted for alinement with eyes 21 formed on the post, whereby a locking pin an pass through the said eyes 20 and 21 for fastening the platform 15 inv horizontal position, so as to project outwardly from the postlst in the direction of the track, whereby a mail bag can be laid upon the platform so that the car 12 when traveling on the track can catch the mail bag by means of the mail bag catching device presently described.

Arranged above the platform 15 and supported by the post 1%. is a mail bag catcher comprising a horizontally swinging base 23, from which rises a box-like receiver 24;, formed with a curved mouth 25, the same opening in the longitudinal direction of the track, the outer curved wall 26 of which being cut away to provide a slot or gap 27, While the opposite inner end of the receiver 24 is open so that a mail bag received in the mouth 25 thereof will be deflected by the curved wall 26 through the open inner end of the said receiver for the delivery of the bag to a station. The receiver 24 at one side is formed with a hinge 28 connecting it to the upper end of the post 14, whereby the said receiver can be swung against the post to inoperative position when not in use, the said receiver being held in such position in a manner presently described.

Mounted upon the post It is a bracket 29 to which is pivoted at 30 a latch arm 31, the nib 32 of which is adapted to engage a keeper loop 33, formed on the receiver 24 at the mouth end thereof, and in this manner the said receiver is locked in inoperative position. At a suitable point spaced from the post 141- and stationed on the same side of the track with the same is a post or upright 3st, the same being formed at its upper end with a right-angular extension 35 having depending vertical web 36 to which is pivoted at 37 a trip arm 38, which is normally held in tripping position by means of a spring 39 and this arm has connected thereto a flexible cable 40, the same being also connected to the latch arm 31 whereby on the tripping of the arm 8,8 the said latch arm 31 will be thrown to releasing position thereby freeing the receiver 254., so that it may be swung to operative position, the trip arm 38 being controlled. from actuating mechanism presently described.

The receiver 2stat its inner open end is formed with a stop projection -11, which is adapted to engage the post 14 to limit the swinging movement when automatically shifted to operative position by means of the coiled spring 4-2, mounted in the hinge 28 thereon.

The car 1.2 is formed in. the side wall thereof with spaced upper and lower elongated opeuings 4-4 and 4-5 respectively, the latter opening being normally closed by means of a horizontal swinging door 46 which is hinged at 4:7 for outward swinging movement to the side of the car 12, the door 4-6 being automatically opened by means of a coiled spring 48 which is mounted in its hinge 47, while the opening 4A: is adapted to be closed by means of a slide door 49 mounted in the guide cleats 50 fixed to the inner face of the side of the car.

Adapted to swing through the upper opening 44: is a car mail bag deliverer comprising a platform 51, the inner end of which is provided with an tip-turned guard. 52, provided with a hinge 53 connecting it to the side of the car at one end of the opening 4 1, so that the said platform can be swung inwardly to the interior of the car through the opening 414- or outwardly through the latter to the exterior of the car, so that a mail bag when placed thereon will be caught at the station by the receiver 2.,

the platform when projected through the opening 44 being locked through the medium of a slide bolt 54:, mounted on the inner side of the slide door 49, thus in this manner the said platform will be held fast and prevented from accidental swinging movement.

Mounted upon the platform 51 at the upper face thereof is a spring-held manually releasable snap catch device 55, which is adapted to fasten the mail bag upon the platform so as to prevent the accidental dropping of the bag during the travel of the car.

Adapted to swing through the lower opening 55 of the side of the car 12 is a mail bag catcher comprising a base 56 which has rising therefrom a box-like receiver 57, the same being formed at its outer end with a curved mouth 58, the outer curved wall 59 of which is cut away to provide a slot or gap 60 whereby the platform 15 may pass through the mouth 58 when the receiver is in operative position for catching the mail bag supported upon the said platform 15 at the station. The receiver 57 at one side thereof is formed with a hinge 61 which swingingly connects it to the side of the car 12 at one end of the opening, whereby the said receiver may be swung inwardly to the interior of the car through the opening 45 or outwardly through the latter to the exterior of the car, the receiver being automatically swung outwardly through the medium of a coiled spring 62 carried by the hinge 61 so that on the swinging open of the door 46 the said receiver will be automatically projected simultaneously therewith through the opening 15 to the exterior of the car.

Fixed to the door 16 is a pull cable 63, the same being loosely trained through an eye 641 formed on and depending from the base 56 of the receiver so that upon manual pulling upon the cable 63, the door may be mo 'cd to closed position and on such movement it will contact with the receiver 57 thereby swinging the latter inwardly of the car si multaneously with the closing of the door.

The platform 51 when projected from the side of the car is adapted to coiiperate with the receiver 2st, at the station, so that mail bag placed upon the said platform will be caught by the receiver and delivered to the station, while the receiver 57 when projected from the side of the car is adapted to cooperate with the platform 15 at the station,

'so that a bag when placed upon the latter will be caught by the said receiver 57 and delivered to the interior of the car.

The actuating mechanism for operating the trip arm 38 comprises a vertically swinging lever 65 which is hinged at 66 to the side of the car 12 eXteriorly thereof, the lever 65 being automatically raised to hori- Zontal position through the medium of a coiled spring 67,'while formed on the said lever is an eye 68 to which is connected a pull cord 69, the same being trained through a suitable guide opening 70 formed in the,

side of the car to the interior thereof, so that a person within the car can lower the lever 65 and it can be readily held in such lowered position through the medium of a lock pin 71 which is adapted to be passed through the eye 68. The lever 65 is adapted to be projected into the path of the trip arm 38, so as to automatically release the receiver 24t at the station should the same be locked in inoperative position. The lever 65 is formed with a stop projection 72, so as to limit the upward swinging thereof by the said projection coming in contact with the side of the car, thereby sustaining the lever in horizontal position for tripping the arm 38 for the automatic releasing of the receiver at the station.

Formed on the inner face of the door46 is a keeper 7 3, in which is adapted to engage a sliding locking bolt 'Ft, mounted in the guides 75 interiorly of the car 12, the bolt being formed with a separable joint 76, in-

cluding a releasing pin 77 for a purpose presently described.

Mounted on the roof of the car 12 is a trip arm 7 8, the same being hinged at 79 to the car roof, and is adapted to be sustained in perpendicular position through the medium of a spring 80 mounted in the hinge 7 9 and formed on this arm 78 is a stop lug 81 which limits the swinging movement thereof in one direction. Connected to the lug 81 is one end of a pull cable 82, the same being trained through a guide opening 83 provided in the car roof and is also trained over guide pulleys 84 mounted on the inner face of the side wall of the said car, while the opposite end of the cable is connected to the bolt 74, thus it being seen that when the door 4L6 is closed and locked by tripping the arm 78, the door will be automatically released and swung to open position and simultaneously therewith the receiver 57 will be projected for the catchingof a mail bag from the platform 15 at the stat-ion during the travel of the car, the arm 78 being tripped in a manner presently described.

Swingingly mounted upon the extension on the post 34 is a trip lever 85, which is connected thereto by means of a. hinge 86 permitting it to swing vertically. The lever is automatically raised to perpendicular position through the medium of a spring 87 mounted in the hinge 86, while connected to the said lever 85 is a pull cable 88, the same being trained through a guide opening 89 in the extension 35, and also trained over guide pulleys 90, mounted. upon the post 84, and is connected to a winding and unwinding Windlass 91, journaled in a support 92, mounted upon the sill 13 contiguous to the post 14, rising therefrom. The windlass 91 is provided with a. hand crank 93, whereby it may be rotated for the winding of the cable 88 on and from the same. The Windlass at one side thereof is formed with a plurality of openings 94 which are adapted to alinewith an opening 95 formed in the support 92 whereby a locking pin 96 may be engaged in any one of the openings 44 in the Windlass when inserted in the opening 95 in the support 92, so that the said wind lass may be held against rotation and in this manner the lever 85 will be sustained lowered to project into the path of the arm 78 for the tripping of the same in event the door 46 is locked in closed position so that the said door will be automatically released and opened and simultaneously the receiver 57 on the car projected through the opening 45 into operative position for catching a mail bag from the station device.

Connected with the arm 78 is a pull cable 97, the same being trained through an opening 98 formed in the roof of the car 12, so as to depend interiorly of the latter, whereby on the passing the car into a tunnel or beneath a bridge, the arm 78 can be manually lowered, it being understood of course that the pin 78 on the separable joint 76 is disengaged therefrom so that the door 46 closing the opening 45 in the side of the car will not be released when the arm 78 is being manually lowered, thus preventing the projecting of the receiver 57 through the opening 45 exteriorly of the car when passing through the tunnel or beneath the bridge.

In the operation of both the station and car mail bag receiving and delivery devices, presuming that the receiver 24 at the station is locked in inoperative position and it is desired to deliver a mail bag from the car 12 during the travel thereof, the mail bag to be delivered is placed upon the platform 51 which is thereafter swung outwardly of the car 12 and the operator within the car frees the lever 65 so that it will automatically swing to horizontal position for the project-ion thereof into the path of the trip arm 38 whereby on the approach of the car to the station, the said trip arm 38 will be actuated for automatically releasing the receiver 24 at the station prior to the arrival of the car at this point, so that the receiver will be projected into operative position at the station and on the passing of the car by the latter, the mail bag on the platform 51 will be caught in the receiver 24 and discharged at the station. Now, should it be desired to deliver a mail bag from the station to the passing car, and the operator within the latter being unaware of the fact, the lever 85 is lowered to horizontal position at the station, so that it will project into the path of the trip arm 78 of the said car 12 501 1131; When the latter is approaching the station, the trip arm 78 will be automatically moved, and in this manner the bolt 74 will be retracted, thus permitting the door 46 to automatically swing open and the receiver 57 simultaneously projected exteriorly of the car so that the latter will cooperate with the platform 15 at the station for catching the mail bag thereon and delivering it to the interior of the car during the travel of the latter past the station.

It is to be understood of course that the station and car mail bag catching and delivery devices may be duplicated at op 0- site sides of the track and on opposite si es of the car respectively, so that the exchange of mail bags between the station may be accomplished irrespective of the direction of travel of the car.

It is believed that the manner of setting the station and car mail bag catching and delivery devices will be understood from the detail construction described herein, and therefore a further explanation of the same has been omitted for the sake of brevity, and also it is thought from the foregoing that the construction and operation of the apparatus'will be clearly understood without further description thereof.

lVhat is claimed is:

1. The combination with a mail bag receiving and delivery apparatus adapted to be mounted upon a car, of a station mail bag receiving and delivery apparatus comprising means adapted to be located at the station and arranged to project into the path of movement of the first-named apparatus for receiving and delivering mail bags to and from the same during the travel of the car, the said means including a box-like receiver having a curved entrance mouth at the outer end thereof and an opposite open end and also including a mail bag support.

2. The combination with a mail bag catching and delivery device adapted to be mounted upon a car, of a station mail bag catcher and deliverer device comprising a box-like receiver swingingly supported at the station and having a curved entrance mouth, a mail bag supporting platform mounted below the said box-like receiver at the station, means for locking the said mail bag receiver in inoperative position and means on the car for automatically tripping the said last named means for freeing the receiver whereby it will project into operative position to cooperate with the mail bag catcher and delivery device on the car.

3. The combination with a mail bag catching and delivery device adapted to be mounted upon a car, of a station mail bag catcher and deliverer device comprising a box-like receiver swingingly supported at the station and having a curved entrance mouth, a mail bag supporting platform mounted below the said box-like receiver at the station, means for locking the said mail bag receiver in inoperative position, means on the car for automatically tripping the said last named means for freeing the receiver whereby it will project into operative position to cooperate with the mail bag catcher and deliverer device on the car, means for locking the mail bag catcher on the car in inoperative position, and means at the station and cooperative with the said last named means for automatically releasing the said receiver, whereby it will be projected into operative position.

4. The combination with station and car mail bag catching and delivery devices, of trip means on the car and at the station for automatically setting the said devices in cooperative relation to each other.

5. The combination with station and car mail bag catching and delivery devices, of trip means on the car and at the station for automatically setting the said devices in 00- operative relation to each other, and means controlling the trip device on a car to pre vent the automatic operation thereof.

6. The combination with station and car mail bag catching and delivery devices, of trip means on the car and at the station for automatically setting the said devices in 00- operative relation to each other, means controlling the trip device on a car to prevent the automatic operation thereof, and means for setting the trip means at the station and on the car in operative position.

7. The combination with a station mail bag catching and delivery device, of a car mail bag catching and delivery device, comprising a swinging mail bag delivery platform and a swinging mail bag catching element including a box-like receiver having a curved entrance mouth.

8. The combination with a station mail bag catching and delivery device, of a car mail bag catching and delivery device, comprising a swinging mail bag delivery platform, a swinging mail bag catching element including a box-like receiver having a curved entrance mouth, a swinging door carried by the car and adapted to hold the receiver in inoperative position, trip means locking the door in closed position and means at the station and engageable with the trip means for automatically releasing the same.

9. The combination with a station mail bag catching and delivery device, of a car mail bag catching and delivery device, comprising a swinging mail bag delivery platform, a swinging mail bag catching element including a boxlike receiver having a curved entrance mouth, a swinging door carried by the car and adapted to hold the receiver in inoperative position, trip means locking the door in closed position, means at the station and engageable with the trip means for automatically releasing the same, and trip means on the car and adapted to automatically release the mail bag catcher at the station for its cooperation with the delivery platform of the car when projected into the path of the same.

In testimony whereof I aiiix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

ENGELBERT A. PIETERS.

Witnesses:

O. L. CUsIcK, J. WAGSTAFF.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents, Washington, D. C. 

